Chocolate: It's Why We Run

Chocolate: It's Why We RunHere we go...my first blog post! I am not a snob or anything, but being a mom, wife, housekeeper, aspiring doctor, and a caretaker for mathematics in two elementary schools doesn't leave time for much else. But since I am on the downslope for finishing my disseration and have committed to my 6th marathon, it is time to get back to running (since I haven't run since September!).

So, to start, why I run. Well, for all the reasons everyone else, too much chocolate (and key lime pie, cookies, bread, etc), to keep my weight down, be able to wear a bathing suit, look good at 40+, to say I can do it, etc. But the real reason is the same reason why I work and study so hard: I am a women and want to prove that we are better than men!

There you go.

Why I run or at least why I plan to....

Ok, once again I have been duped into running a marathon. This time under the guise of it being a birthday present to myself ( the 6th anniversary of my 21st birthday is October 13th). People say you should give someone else a present on your birthday so I have managed to hoodwink my best friends wife, Brandee into coming along because its such "a great experience" and a "wonderful cause". I neglected to mention that pain ensues afterwards, but I had to find out the hardway.

As far as training goes, I haven't started yet and being that my six steps to the vending machine don't count, I'm starting from ground zero. That being said, Brandee and I are going to start May 1st, going 3 days a week. My goal for this marathon is to actually run 13.1 so I'm going to need a whole lot of support.

Since I'm not that big on Chocolate these are the reasons why I run ( or will start running):

1. .... Because I quit smoking and now need another addiction
2. .... Because my butt waves goodbye for me
3. .... Because Chocolate made me fat in the first place
4. .... Because I'll be damned if my 38 year old sister looks better then me this summer.... lol..

Toe update

My toe has gotten better. It's not so dark and puffy, but does hurt if you step on it. I thought I'd try to run on it today...but it's raining. So I think I'll wait until Sunday when the weather should be better. Anyone else started their training?

Oh, and Dana, I had to post the picture of my toe...that's what digital cameras are for...capturing the moment and sharing it immediately! You know that if I didn't have the picture, you would be wondering what my toe actually looked like!!!

Ouch

First let me preface the picture below by telling you that last week my toes looked really nice. I had a pedicure right before leaving for Florida. But with all the walking and swimming I did...well...I need another pedicure.

I didn't do any running in Florida...it was too hot...we were too busy, etc. etc. But I did a ton of walking...like all day around the parks. So I don' t feel like I've lost any ground in the fitness department.

HOWEVER, I'm not sure how much running I'll get done this week. Today I rammed my toe into the wall...by accident of course. I don't think it's broken. But it is pretty bruised. And it hurts like hell. Maybe tomorrow it will be better. Look for an updated photo.

Lost Shoe

My mommy lost my shoe today. She was cruising around this lake...for about 45 minutes, and I was really getting tired of sitting there. She was ignoring my fusses, so I decided to kick off my shoe to get her attention. It didn't work...she just kept running. So if you see this adorable pink shoe, please return it to my mommy.

Oh well

I did not run today...but I did eat chocolate!

stroller running

Today I didn't want to run...I had so many other things I need to do....but I decided to make running a priority also.

How could I not run? It was going to be 70 degrees! Not in the morning when the boys were gone and I could run with Ella in the stroller...but it was over 50...nice temps for running.

I'm not sure how far I ran, but I went around a local lake. Lots of short steep hills. I ran for over 45 minutes. It felt good. So glad I did it.

A day off...already

"During the hard training phase never be afraid to take a day off. If your legs are feeling unduly stiff and sore, rest; if you are at all sluggish, rest; in fact, if in doubt, rest."Bruce Fordyce

Due to stiff, sore legs from yesterday's 6 miler, and a complete lack of sleep last night, today, I rested. Okay...with my 3 kids, I certainly didn't rest...but I didn't run either.

Motivation: Marathon

Nothing like a race to get me on track with my workouts.

I have officially registered for the Nike Women's Marathon. I figure if I'm going to torture myself for the 4th time, I might as well get a Tiffany necklace out of it.

Anyone even remotely interested in running this on October 22nd should register right away here. The half marathon is already full, so I'm not sure how much longer before the full marathon reaches registration capacity.

They ask in the registration what you're running for. I wrote 1. Chocolate, 2. Time together with long distance friends, 3. Loss of pregnancy pounds. My sister wrote that she was running for her Nagging Sister.

So what are you running or working out for?

And by the way, I EXPECT those of you who registered (Lanette, Gayle, Dana, Jaye) to post at LEAST once a week reporting where you are in your training. Lets use this forum to encourage each other!!!

Today, I ran 6 miles on the treadmill. Yippee!!!!!!!!